Case for tape measures



Aug. 9,1927. 1,638,227 E. J. WlTCHGER CASE FoR TAPE MEASURES Filed Nov. 8. 1926 INVENTOR. fugieneJ VWfc/vfer A TTQRNEY.

: the cover plates.

Patented Aug. 9, 1927.

warren STATES PATENT OFFICE. v

EUGENE J. WITCHGER, F SAGIN'AW, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR TO LUFKIN RULE 00., OF SAG-INAW, MICHIGAN, A CORPORATION OF MICHIGAN.

CASE FOR TAPE MEASURES.

Application filed November 8, 1926. Serial No. 147,034.

This invent-ion is a case for tape measures and pertains to that general type of tape.

measure case now in common use, in which the tape is enclosed by a pair of disk-like metal covers which are in turn overlald by -a covering of leather, fibre or similar mate forth in the claims is found in the construction and arrangement of the flanged portions of the top and bottom plates and in an improved means including a flat band, whereby the fabric covering is tightly stretched and clamped upon the circular annularly grooved and internally beaded rim that is associated with the said flanges of An object of my invention is to clamp the edges of the fabric tightly and to stretch the material like a drum head, by means of a flat clamping band that has its outer face flush with the outer faces of the fabric, so that no projecting rim or ridge is formed, and the exterior surface of the completed case is smooth.

Another object is to provide the flanges of the top and bottom members of the case with opposing tongues adapted to intermesh to form a peripheral groove in which a looking band is received. The construction of the tongues is such that they engage the edges of the locking band to. hold the two halves of the case in place without the use of any second retaining band. lVith respect to this construction and mode of operation the device differs from that shown in my co-pending application, Serial No. 118,592, filed June 25, 1926, of which this application is a continuation in part.

-With theforegoing and certain other objects in view, which will appear later in the specifications, my invention comprises the devices 1 described and claimed and the equivalents thereof.

In the drawings Fig. 1 is an edge view of the case with the tape removed and the outer cover partly turned back to show the case.

Fig. 2 is a view of the case opened.

Fig. 3 is a part sectional edge view, th outer cover partly broken away.

The case comprises a top 1 and bottom 2 formed with peripheral flanges 5 and 6, the flanges having extensions or tongues 7 and 8 spaced apart around their edges, as shown in Fig. 2. The tongues of one flanged member fit the spaces between the tongues of the other, alternating and intermeshing when the case is closed and forming a complete rim, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

The tongues are ribbed peripherally to form an external groove when assembled. Their edges are flanged outwardly, as at 9, forming parts of the lateral walls of the groove. When assembled, the flanges on the tongues 5 of the top of the case are on opposite sides of the groove from those of the bottom of the case and alternate therewith, as shown.

The clamping band 11 extends around the case and is received within the groove. Its edges are engaged by the opposite flanges 9, thereby holding the two halves of the case together in tightly locked relation.

The two halves of the case are covered with flexible material, such as leather or fabric 3 and 4, and the meeting edges of the fabric are preferably clamped in 'the groove by band 11, as shown in Fig. 3, to lock the case and also to draw the outer coverings taut around it.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patout is:

1. A case for tape measures comprising flanged top and bottom members, the flanges formed with tongues spaced apart in alternate interlocking relation, said tongues formed with peripheral grooves, the edges of said tongues flangedto form the lateral sides of said grooves, and a clamping band having its lateral edges co-acting with the with peripheral grooves, the edgesof said flanges of said tongues, to lock together said tongues flanged outwardly, and a clamping 10 top and bottom members. band received in said groove and engaging 2. A case for tape measures comprising the meeting edges of said fabric cover, to

5 flanged top and bottom members, fabric lock said top and bottom members together.

covers for said members, said flanges formed In testimony whereof, I affix my signature.

with tongues spaced apart and in alternate interlocking relation, said tongues formed EUGENE J. WITCHGER. 

